In the picture: Mika Lyytikäinen (S Group), Ilkka Alarotu (S Group), Andy Hall and Jari Simolin (S Group)

The S Group announced today that they will participate in the trial of Finnwatch researcher Andy Hall in Thailand as a key witness for the defence. In the upcoming trial, the S Group will be represented by the Senior Vice President, Sourcing Jari Simolin.

– We would like to thank the S Group for showing some backbone here. It is important that companies lend their support to the free and independent functioning of civil society, said Sonja Vartiala, Finnwatch's executive director.

The S Group met with Natural Fruit, who has brought the charges against Andy Hall, in 2013 to discuss the Finnwatch research findings. The business relationship with Natural Fruit was not terminated because of the Finnwatch report but because Natural Fruit would not agree to independent third party social responsibility audits.

– The S Group testimony may play a crucial role in Andy Hall's trial this summer. Natural Fruit lost business opportunities because of their own actions, not because of the Finnwatch report, Vartiala said.

The S Group announcement to participate in Andy Hall's trial is available to view at >>

For more information:

Sonja Vartiala
Toiminnanjohtaja/⁠Executive Director
Finnwatch ry
sonja.vartiala (at) finnwatch.org
+358-⁠44 5687465

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